Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Tokyo Artificial Larynx?
2. What is the Tokyo Artificial Larynx made out of?
3. Can anyone use the Tokyo Artificial Larynx?
4. How loud is the Tokyo Artificial Larynx?
5. Is there a money back guarantee?
6. How Long does it take to learn to use properly?
7. Can a woman use the Tokyo Artificial Larynx?
8. Is the Tokyo Artificial Larynx Covered by Medicare?
9. Do you have any demo units or any one I can contact?



What is the Tokyo Artificial Larynx

The Tokyo artificial speaking device is a pneumatic device which requires the laryngectomee to use his or her lungs by way of the stoma. It has no batteries or other mechanical means other than the lung power of the individual. This air which is produced by normal breathing, will vibrate a replaceable rubber diaphragm which is located mid way in the aid and will simulate the vocal cord of the laryngectomee. The vibrating rubber diaphragm will produce a sound which is transmitted by way of a plastic tube into the mouth and then articulation is developed to produce words exactly as before the removal of the larynx.

The Tokyo device can be pitched up or down to suit the needs of both male and female. This must be done mechanically by unscrewing the aid and either slacken or tighten the rubber diaphragm. There are two metal pieces of chromed brass which comprise the body of the Tokyo. This body unscrews midway to reveal the rubber diaphragm which is replaced as it loses elasticity. The body measures 3.75" while the stoma cup measures 1.50". The plastic air tube will measure app. 7.00" and the silicone mouth piece will measure app. 3.0". The entire weight of this device will be app. 80 grams or less than 3 ounces while the total length will be app. 13.50".

The volume is controlled by the lungs in the exact manner as a normal person. One can whisper or shout when the aid is tuned correctly. It may be used in conjunction with the prosthesis or esophageal voice with no problem but is far superior than the other methods of speech. The requirements for the pneumatic device are very few but one should not have extensive tongue or mouth surgery. If there is any doubt, one should contact medical or speech professionals for confirmation. The Tokyo speech device does require the attention and determination of the laryngectomee to have a near normal speaking voice once again and we believe this to be the finest voice replacement available.

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What is the Tokyo Artificial Larynx made out of?

The Tokyo Artificial Larynx is made out of brass which is chrome plated and is very sturdy. My father has been a laryngectomees for 20 years and has used his for about 10 years I believe it to be the same one all this time.

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Can anyone use the Tokyo Artificial Larynx?

If there are any preexisting conditions that would compromise lung function such as asthma, emphysema then we would discourage the purchase of the Tokyo Artificial Larynx. Also if your stoma measures more than 1.5 inches across then you cannot use this device.

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How loud is the Tokyo Artificial Larynx?

The volume is quite impressive from a whisper in a crowded restaurant to a shout on a factory floor.

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Is there a money back guarantee?

There is no money back guarantee

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How Long does it take to learn to use properly?

Because of the nature of this device it takes time to learn how to use.
The level of proficiency that you will experience is directly related to how
much you practice. My father has been a laryngectomees for 20 years and uses this device with excellent results. He would be the first to tell you that
practice is the key to speaking and regaining much of the voice you lost.

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Can a woman use the Tokyo Artificial Larynx?

While this device was designed by a man for a male voice. It can be used for a woman by stretching the rubber diaphragm. You would then be able to pitch the sound higher to attain a more feminine voice. There is a training video that accompanies the sale of this device and gives a thorough explanation of how
to use and care for this device.

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Is the Tokyo Artificial Larynx Covered by Medicare?

We are not a Medicare, Medicaid provider. You will receive a receipt with the purchase of the device and you can file the appropriate paper work. I cannot guarantee coverage because of variations in plans. The same holds true with your Insurance company.

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Do you have any demo units or any one I can contact?

Unfortunately at this time we have no demo units. We are a still a small company with a small budget trying to make the best Pneumatic aid on the market. My father distributed the Tokyo Artificial Larynx several years ago and all his old contacts are sadly very out of date.

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